The Sweetwater defense, led by Landen Gentry, brings down Brainerd's quarterback in the endzone for a safety Friday night. Photo by Josh Walker.
Sweetwater Ends Season on High Note with Dominant 26-6 Win Over Brainerd
by AJ Hall and Bryan Burchfield
Brainerd, Tenn. -- The Sweetwater Wildcats claimed the victory Friday night at Brainerd, 26-6, finishing the season on a two game winning streak.
Sweetwater started strong, marching 65 yards on their opening drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown on a Nolan Dacus quarterback sneak. Bryce Teutimez added the extra point, putting the Wildcats up 7-0 with 8:20 left in the first quarter.
Sweetwater’s defense forced a punt, giving the offense another chance to add points. Seven plays later, Jeremiah Parris found the end zone with a 14-yard run, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter.
After a Jaxson Powell fumble recovery, Sweetwater’s offense drove to Brainerd's 2-yard line but was unable to convert on a fourth-down attempt. The Panthers took possession, but the Wildcats' defense responded quickly. Landen Gentry sacked Brainerd’s quarterback in the end zone for a safety, boosting Sweetwater’s lead to 16-0 with 8:36 left in the half.
Sweetwater drove deep into Brainerd territory two more times in the half but a pair of interceptions turned the Wildcats away. Sweetwater was able to hold onto its 16-0 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats opened the third quarter with a successful onside kick, their fourth of the season, gaining excellent field position. However, Brainerd’s defense forced another turnover, recovering a fumble at their own 24-yard line. Just two plays later, Lucas Rockholt made the defensive play of the year, deflecting a pass from Brainerd quarterback JaeShaun Duke, intercepting it, and returning it 12 yards for a touchdown. Teutimez’s extra point extended the lead to 23-0 with 9:40 left in the third.
Brainerd’s offense responded late in the third quarter when Duke connected with Hayden White for a 60-yard touchdown. The Panthers’ two-point conversion attempt failed, making the score 23-6.
In the fourth quarter, Sweetwater’s Teutimez added a 38-yard field goal, sealing the final score at 26-6. The Wildcats controlled the game from start to finish, never allowing Brainerd to mount a serious comeback. Sweetwater Head Coach, Tommy Bunch, was proud of his team following the victory. “This season hasn't gone how we wanted it to but we challenged our team on fall break to reset and that's what we did. We went and got the win at Polk last week, and then tonight we put a good finish on our season getting the win over Brainerd. I’m glad we could send our seniors off with that and I’m glad we could get it for our team heading into the off-season.”
The win brings Sweetwater’s final record to 3-7 (1-4 in region play), closing out a challenging season with back-to-back road victories. The Wildcats will look to build on this momentum as they head into the offseason.
Sweetwater started strong, marching 65 yards on their opening drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown on a Nolan Dacus quarterback sneak. Bryce Teutimez added the extra point, putting the Wildcats up 7-0 with 8:20 left in the first quarter.
Sweetwater’s defense forced a punt, giving the offense another chance to add points. Seven plays later, Jeremiah Parris found the end zone with a 14-yard run, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter.
After a Jaxson Powell fumble recovery, Sweetwater’s offense drove to Brainerd's 2-yard line but was unable to convert on a fourth-down attempt. The Panthers took possession, but the Wildcats' defense responded quickly. Landen Gentry sacked Brainerd’s quarterback in the end zone for a safety, boosting Sweetwater’s lead to 16-0 with 8:36 left in the half.
Sweetwater drove deep into Brainerd territory two more times in the half but a pair of interceptions turned the Wildcats away. Sweetwater was able to hold onto its 16-0 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats opened the third quarter with a successful onside kick, their fourth of the season, gaining excellent field position. However, Brainerd’s defense forced another turnover, recovering a fumble at their own 24-yard line. Just two plays later, Lucas Rockholt made the defensive play of the year, deflecting a pass from Brainerd quarterback JaeShaun Duke, intercepting it, and returning it 12 yards for a touchdown. Teutimez’s extra point extended the lead to 23-0 with 9:40 left in the third.
Brainerd’s offense responded late in the third quarter when Duke connected with Hayden White for a 60-yard touchdown. The Panthers’ two-point conversion attempt failed, making the score 23-6.
In the fourth quarter, Sweetwater’s Teutimez added a 38-yard field goal, sealing the final score at 26-6. The Wildcats controlled the game from start to finish, never allowing Brainerd to mount a serious comeback. Sweetwater Head Coach, Tommy Bunch, was proud of his team following the victory. “This season hasn't gone how we wanted it to but we challenged our team on fall break to reset and that's what we did. We went and got the win at Polk last week, and then tonight we put a good finish on our season getting the win over Brainerd. I’m glad we could send our seniors off with that and I’m glad we could get it for our team heading into the off-season.”
The win brings Sweetwater’s final record to 3-7 (1-4 in region play), closing out a challenging season with back-to-back road victories. The Wildcats will look to build on this momentum as they head into the offseason.
Graphic by Josh Walker - Sweetwater High School
Stats by Brian Nile